Warner Music Announces Major Three-Year Partnership to Boost North East Music Sector
Music industry giant Warner Music UK has officially announced a significant new three-year partnership aimed at strengthening and expanding the creative music sector across the North East of England. The partnership represents a substantial commitment to developing long-term opportunities for artists, producers, executives, and emerging talent throughout the region.
Building on a Strong Foundation
This new agreement continues and expands Warner Music's existing collaboration with Newcastle-based music agency Generator. The announcement comes on the heels of Newcastle successfully hosting two of the music industry's most prestigious annual events: the MOBO Awards and the Mercury Prize, which have significantly raised the region's profile on the national music stage.
Warner Music is currently establishing a world-class music studio facility on Newcastle's Quayside, adding substantial infrastructure to support the region's growing music ecosystem. The partnership will also involve close cooperation with colleges, universities, and various music education partners to create clearer, more accessible pathways from educational settings directly into sustainable music industry careers.
Executive Perspectives on the Partnership
Mick Ross, CEO of Generator, expressed great enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: "Right now, the world is looking to the North. The creativity emerging from this region is truly extraordinary, and it deserves both national and global visibility. This partnership significantly deepens the connection between our local talent and the wider music industry, making it increasingly possible for artists to build successful, sustainable careers without having to leave the region. It represents a major step toward creating a stronger, more interconnected creative North—a future where the industry comes to us, rather than the other way around."
Simon Robson, President of EMEA for Recorded Music at Warner Music Group, commented: "The North has consistently proven itself as a powerhouse of creativity, producing some of the most iconic music in history. We are immensely proud to continue this legacy through our partnership with Generator by investing directly in the North's grassroots music communities. Our goal extends beyond simply discovering the next major star; it's about contributing to a better, more supportive system where the next generation of artists and music executives can grow, evolve, and lead throughout their entire careers, right here in the North."
Political Support and Regional Impact
The partnership has received strong endorsements from key political figures in the North East. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness welcomed the announcement, saying: "This marks a crucial moment for North East musicians. Witnessing world-leading performers recording their music right here in our region will undoubtedly inspire our next generation of artists. We are already actively backing North East talent by supporting grassroots music venues, investing in essential skills development, and promoting major events. However, this partnership represents the vital next step—it's about firmly placing the North East on the world music map and unlocking the tremendous opportunities that will follow."
Newcastle City Council Leader Karen Kilgour added: "It is incredible to witness a project of this scale and ambition coming to life, providing our emerging talent with the essential tools, professional networks, and industry exposure they rightly deserve. The creative potential within our region is enormous, as demonstrated during the recent MOBO Awards and Mercury Prize events. This partnership with Warner Music and Generator is another fantastic stride toward removing barriers and ensuring local people can realize their musical dreams right here in the North East."
Additional details regarding Warner Music's specific activities and initiatives within the region are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, further outlining the practical implementation of this three-year strategic partnership.
